Boston College Law School Magazine | Down to the Wire
Annual Mock Trial Competition: A Close Contest
By Staniel Brutis ’26, November 5, 2025
“Mock trials may not involve real facts, but they involve the use of real skills. And in the hands of skillful advocates, those fake facts come alive. They evoke real emotions.” This idea perfectly captured the essence of the Boston College Law School 2025 Mock Trial Competition’s final round on October 16, as noted by Assistant Clinical Professor Steven Van Dyke ’08, who supervised the event.
“The students were like ‘alchemists.’”
He described the four advocates in Denning v. Zeta Lambda Nu Fraternity as transforming the fictional case into a compelling courtroom drama that felt as real as life itself.
The Case
The trial revolved around a tragic fraternity party at the University of Lone Star. Kay Denning, age 20, died after diving into a shallow, makeshift pool. Her mother, Victoria Denning, filed a lawsuit against the fraternity, accusing them of negligence and reckless behavior.
Arguments Presented
- Plaintiff’s Counsel: Andrew Ordentlich ’26 and Katie Queally ’26 urged the jury to recognize a pattern of negligence, presenting a narrative of carelessness that linked the fraternity directly to Kay Denning’s death.
- Defense: The defense denied responsibility, arguing the accident was unforeseeable and that the fraternity treasurer’s actions exceeded the defendant’s authority.
Conclusion
The competition showcased how skilled advocates can bring fictional facts to life, highlighting the transformative power of legal argument and storytelling.
“Mock trials evoke real emotions.”
Author’s summary: The competition demonstrated how law students skillfully turn fictional cases into gripping trials, mastering both legal technique and emotional persuasion.